The Impact of Training on Interfirm Dynamics within a Destination Quality Network: The Case of the Fuchsia Brand, Ireland

Abstract

Quality has been widely recognised as an important source of competitive edge in the tourism industry. Much of the focus of research to date has been on the individual firm. However, there has been a shift from interfirm competition to interdestination competition, resulting in a lacuna in the research and a need for more attention to be afforded to management of quality at the destination level. Given the fragmented and diverse nature of the tourism destination, many researchers have underlined the need for co-operation in any effort to improve quality at the destination. However, there is often a reluctance among tourism businesses, particularly small- and medium-sized tourism enterprises (SMTEs) to cooperate. This paper sheds light on the impact of training on interfirm dynamics within a destination quality management network. The findings revealed that training of network members influenced the development of a referral system, which in turn helped to create a tourism quality value chain for the visitor.

Citation

Woods, M. and Deegan, J. (2006), "The Impact of Training on Interfirm Dynamics within a Destination Quality Network: The Case of the Fuchsia Brand, Ireland", Chen, J.S. (Ed.) Advances in Hospitality and Leisure (Advances in Hospitality and Leisure, Vol. 2), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 25-50. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1745-3542(05)02002-3